NSW’s Lobbying Laws Lacking: ICAC’s Calls for Change Fall on Deaf Ears | Politics of New South Wales

The parliaments in Australia are heavily influenced by lobbyists, who seek to meet with politicians to secure changes in the law that benefit their interests. Transparency and rules are essential in maintaining a healthy democracy, but in New South Wales, the rules governing lobbyists are inadequate. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has repeatedly called for reforms to the existing lobbying laws, but their efforts have fallen on deaf ears. Icac recommended strengthening the lobbyist register, extending the rules to local government, and creating a dedicated lobbying commissioner. They also proposed a ban on secret meetings and intimate dinners between politicians and lobbyists. Other states in Australia are taking steps to modernize their lobbying laws, but NSW has fallen behind best practice. Despite the urgency of the issue, no one on the inside of politics wants to change, leaving the system open to corruption.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/23/nsw-lobbying-rules-icac-reform-ignored